Bolton 4 Wigan 0: Coyle has a spring in his step as Trotters run riot

14 March 2010 10:19

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Owen Coyle does not have to explain his decision to quit Burnley in mid-season any longer.

Back in January, Bolton were below his former club in the table and those who did not think Coyle was a 'Judas' for changing clubs thought he was mad instead. But Coyle can afford a smile this morning with Bolton eight points clear of Burnley after their biggest win of the season.

He can almost start planning for next season in the Premier League,while beaten manager Roberto Martinez has to continue fretting aboutrelegation.

Wigan can point to a couple of poor decisions by referee Mike Deanwhich worked against them. But Bolton fans will prefer to point toCoyle's magic managerial touch.

He kept faith with £13million record-signing Johan Elmander, despite11 games without a goal, and, sure enough, it was the Swede who settledthe nerves in a Lancashire derby by firing the opening goal after 10minutes.

The victory was then wrapped up in the second half with acontroversial Kevin Davies penalty, defensive midfielder FabriceMuamba's first goal for the club and substitute Matt Taylor scoringwith his first touch.

'I took the job because I believed I could keep Bolton in theleague. We are not there yet but this result helps take us along thatroad,' said Coyle.

'I was so pleased for Elmander - he is criticised for his goalrecord but the boys in the team know what a job he does for them.'

The key moment arrived after 48 minutes, when Wigan, denied an earlypenalty for a foul on Hugo Rodallega, were left incensed as Mr Deanpointed to the spot after Tamir Cohen jumped theatrically over GaryCaldwell's outstretched leg.

Davies scored with the first penalty of his career to make it 2-0and Martinez said: 'The two penalty decisions were huge. For thereferee to give one and not the other on Rodallega is hard to take. Ithad a massive effect on the game.'